As the weather starts to heat up, summertime pet safety becomes a “HOT” animal welfare issue. When there is a heat advisory, we are confident that the Heat Index reaches over 100 degrees.

The Cambridge Animal Commission WANTS to remind you that leaving a pet inside a parked car is the most common cause of potentially deadly heat stroke. Imagine how hot the interior of a car can be on a 100 degree day. An animal will overheat in a hot car even if the windows are cracked open. On an 80 degree day, the inside of your car can reach 100 degrees in just 10 minutes.

REMEMBER:

Leaving your pet in a hot care for even a short period of time could kill your pet.

Even with all of the windows cracked, the temperature of your car can reach deadly levels quickly.

Pets do not sweat the way humans do. They CANNOT cool their bodies efficiently in hot temperatures.

Make seasonal adjustments to your daily routine to keep your pets safe and healthy in the summer heat. Shade offers little protection on a hot day and moves with the sun. Leave your dog at home when you know you are going to have to leave the dog in the car for any amount of time. A five minute visit to the store can easily take longer than expected, and in 10 minutes the heat in your car can increase by 20 degrees from the outside temperature. Please leave your pets home in warm weather. They will be happy to see you when you return!